Column: 'Snow' place like East Price Hill

Amber Boller and Kayla Rottenberger, both of East Price Hill, ready for the hill at Dempsey Park.

On Jan. 27, three black male teenagers decided they would threaten my wife and 8-year-old son's life in a spoiled attempt to steal our vehicle.

Due to the absolute stupidity of these three ignorant individuals, I know it has caused my wife to question the consequences of residing in our East Price Hill neighborhood home.

On both Thursday and Friday of that same week while sled riding at Dempsey Park with our three kids and their friend, I was reminded why East Price Hill is our home and will remain so.

First, two Hispanic fathers intently watched as our children and I sledded the hill on our rudder sleds and ended up near the ball field backstop. They ventured over and inquired about the sleds and asked if they could attempt a run. "Of course" was the answer and down they went with their two very young children.

As they returned back up the hill their smiles lit up the now sundown afternoon. After a few runs they thanked us and returned their children home out of the extreme cold.

Next an oddly dressed 30-something male, who most probably would have had suspicions of his intentions, watched inquisitively for about 20 minutes or so, but then came over to give a suggestion that would help my 7-year-old daughter now be able to start her snowboarding runs without my assistance.

"Daddy look, I can do it myself now!" "Thank you sir" and off he went to his place of residence.

Now the 7- or 8-year-old black male who had been there disc sledding since we arrived respectfully asked if he could attempt both the snow board and rudder sleds. Again, "of course" was the reply and soon he was experiencing his first snowboarding and rudder sled runs, going further than he ever expected down the ice covered Dempsey Park hill.

Now come two young men exiting the library on their way home. "Can we please try?" "Sure," and off they went, also returning with huge smiles. Despite not having gloves they stayed till we were ready to leave. One of the two, "Johnny" indicated that he, his mother and younger brother had just arrived in the neighborhood after residing an a homeless shelter. "Come back tomorrow and we will bring an extra pair of gloves."

On Friday, our 60 something neighbor ventured to the hill with us to enjoy a beverage and a cigar with me. Watching the kids sled the hill was not good enough, soon he and I were racing down on the rudder sleds like we were the 7,8 and 10 year olds. "Johnny" soon arrived smiling. We gave him a pair of gloves, he linked up with the kids and sled riding he went.

Now a late 20 or early 30 something black female arrived and watched with curiosity. Finally she asked, "Can I try once?" She had never seen a rudder sled either. "Absolutely!" She only took one trip down but indicated that it was a sure thrill.

Thank you to Cincinnati's past leaders for preserving the many parks, recreation areas and green spaces. How many suburban neighborhoods can you think of where you can literally walk to five parks within 15 minutes. On two late weekday afternoons while many were stuck in traffic or driving for 30 to 60 minutes to get home from wherever, I shared time with my family and neighbors creating both first experiences and fantastic memories.

My only regret is that my friend Jim Grawe was not able to witness these event so he could have told the memories. Leave East Price Hill, I think not.

Dan Boller is a resident of East Price Hill.

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Column: 'Snow' place like East Price Hill

On Jan. 27, three black male teenagers decided they would threaten my wife and 8-year-old son's life in a spoiled attempt to steal our vehicle.